Picturesque Rivers and Mountains in the Red Chamber

Chapter 104 3.11 There is room for manipulation in many matters of martial arts.
Volume Three

3.11 There is room for manipulation in many matters of martial arts.
As the saying goes, "the New Year flies by too fast", the commodity circulation in feudal society is far worse than in modern times. Therefore, after entering December, the New Year atmosphere in the entire capital instantly rises, and people from all over the neighborhood come to the city specifically to buy New Year's goods. Not to mention business and travel, the officials or representatives from various places who come to Beijing at the end of the year to "make money" have greatly enriched the hotels in the capital.

However, these had little to do with Zhou Yang. After confirming that March next year would be the martial arts examination Enke, he immediately put aside all his original plans and devoted himself wholeheartedly to practicing martial arts and studying books, because in these years, you can only do it if you have achieved your identity. Talking about "life happiness", if ordinary people are too happy, it is probably not a good thing - of course, it is normal for plans to change.
"Master——" After a long and sweet sound, Su Yun, who was "addicted to food", had no choice but to beg for mercy, which actually made Zhou Yang feel a bit like "no better, no worse", "Good master, why don't you accept it?" Sister Qingwen, I really can’t bear this.”

"You, what are the benefits of taking away that hoof!" Zhou Yang said speechlessly, "How many times have I told you that my daughter's family has to be at least sixteen, preferably eighteen, before talking about serving. Otherwise, it will be very difficult. It may cost a lot, but you'd better be honest—huh?"

"Master, Sister Dongfang is here, do you want to meet her?" Qingwen pushed the door in with a blushing face, and went straight to the topic with one sentence, but she couldn't hide the resentment on her face, such as the sentence "I want to meet you" , because it is impossible not to see it.

"You damn hooves, why don't you go out and pour tea for Dongfang!" Zhou Yang threw a pillow over Qingwen angrily and "smashed her out", "I'll be there right away."

In less than half a stick of incense, Zhou Yang quickly packed up. However, after entering the living room in the inner courtyard, he found that Dongfang Bing was already waiting with a cold expression, sipping tea. He didn't stand up to greet him when he came in. His attitude was self-evident, and he just gave him a greeting. He gave a look that said, "I understand it myself."

"Mr. Zhou is really in a good mood. Three poles in the morning is not enough. It's already afternoon. I didn't expect the fun of 'Bai Ri Xuan Y' and I didn't forget to try it." Dongfang threw out two cold complaints before saying, "You don't Didn't you get the news? Next year the Emperor will be [-] years old. His Majesty has issued the imperial edict the day before yesterday, that is, at the beginning of December, and Ganke will celebrate with the world."

"I know, Dongfang Qianhu!" Zhou Yang was also helpless. Since Dongfang Bing left last time, the two of them had not been able to meet each other until now. "I never thought that Master Qianhu could find time to come over and dote on me in his busy schedule. My resentful husband is really lucky in three lives!"

"Don't come here!" Dongfang Bing frowned, directly raised the sheathed waist knife and pressed it against Zhou Yang's chest, pushing him five steps away, "Don't make me sick with the smell of other women. The princess has a lot of socializing at the end of the year. I, my personal bodyguard, can’t be absent, right? Now that you know the news about Enke, why are you so unloving to yourself!”

"I'm giving you shame, right?" Zhou Yang angrily pushed aside the knife and rushed over, carrying Dongfang Bing into the bedroom.

"Now do you know the true strength of your master?" Zhou Yang said proudly, and the angry Dongfang Bing turned Zhen's head aside directly, not bothering to look at the expression of wanting to be beaten, "No matter how crazy I am, I will never forget it. I have the foundation to establish myself, not to mention you to take care of me. How can I have you if I don’t have enough status?”

"Us?" No matter how big-hearted Dongfang Bing is, he can't stand this blatant and shameless statement. He offered the two-finger Zen without saying anything and looked at Suyun with a straight face, "This is the first time I've met this sister. Won’t you introduce me?”

"Didn't you know her name was Suyun just now?" Zhou Yang felt guilty and chose to change the subject without any new ideas.

"I also saw that she was a maid, but I didn't know which family or which girl was so arrogant, and I wasn't afraid of spreading the word and ruining her reputation and losing her life." Dongfang Bing said a few words and Su Yun's face turned pale.

"Okay, you care so much, I will tell you in the future!" Quickly diverted the topic away, Zhou Yang must not be able to introduce the affairs of Li Wan's master and servant, "Didn't you just say that your princess has a lot of socializing at the end of the year, so you can't leave?" Is it open? Why are you free to come here today?"

"It's not because of you that I specifically asked for leave from the princess. Otherwise, I should have followed the princess into the palace today. She was invited by Princess Zhengui to go to the palace to listen to the play and have fun." Dongfang Bing said angrily, looking at Seeing Zhou Yang's performance, she also realized that Suyun's identity was difficult to explain, so she wisely stopped asking, "Besides telling you the news about Enke, there are actually some things you need to know.

I know your temper and your strength. If there are no accidents, next March when the generals are in spring, it will not be difficult for you to win at least the title of a martial arts scholar, even if it does not count the custom of "the victory must be achieved". It's not that even the top three can't be considered, but I still advise you not to go too far."

"What, is there a problem?" Zhou Yang frowned and saw what Dongfang Bing meant, "But this time Enke, is there any inside information that I don't know about?"

"Since it's an enke, it's naturally to add favor." Dongfang Bing said softly, "It's just who the favor is for, that's a matter that can only be decided by His Majesty today. What's more, the military examination is different from the imperial examination of civil servants. It can be done through anonymity and transcription. and other means to prevent fraud as much as possible, and everything in the martial arts is open. In this way, there is room for manipulation in many things in the martial arts, such as the indispensable drawing of a hard bow. This 'hard bow' is actually not just a Deputy; or it is also the 'Seal Presentation', this stone pier is not just a wait, as long as you sort it a little and help which one you want to help, it will be difficult for others to have a chance."

"What do you mean, I can't stand out too much this time?" Zhou Yang frowned. Even though he had already guessed that there was something fishy about it, he still felt very uncomfortable.

"More or less, you need to make some concessions on some key subjects." Dongfang Bing also disliked this kind of thing, but still persuaded him patiently, "For example, I know that you have excellent rifle shooting, which is not a problem, but when riding When shooting, you might as well hold it back. Five out of nine shots is enough. However, you can deliberately use a stone bow for mounted shooting. This is also a sign of strength.

For another example, I know your ability in military strategy and calligraphy. I might as well make this point more prominent on purpose, because as long as you pass the outside test, the inside test is actually irrelevant; in short, It's useless to be too good this time, and it will offend people. "

"Then" Zhou Yang hesitated and asked, "What compensation is there? From what you mean, someone should be interested in the position this time, or His Majesty."

"Not bad!" Dongfang Bing nodded, "This time, various martial arts families in the capital have made big moves. I can't say which one it is, but if you get involved, you will only become cannon fodder in their game; however, In return, the Jinshi who passed the Enke examination will usually be taken care of when they are awarded officials. You might as well think about it in advance and I will help make arrangements then."

"Is this what the princess meant?" Zhou Yang asked helplessly. With Dongfang Bing's power, he had no ability to "arrange" it.

"Well!" Dongfang Bing snuggled into his arms gently, raised his head and offered a sweet kiss. After leaving for a long time, he said, "Of course I couldn't get such high-level news. The princess told me after hearing about it from the palace. , although she didn’t say it directly, the relationship between you and me was decided by the princess, so she naturally asked me to tell you.”

"In that case, let's do the same." What can Zhou Yang do?There is no such thing as "fairness, fairness and openness" in these days. Being able to say hello in advance and promise to take care of him is already the most benevolent thing. "As for the appointment of officials, in fact, Senior Brother Chen has also asked about it. I will tell you after thinking about it."

"Don't forget that your performance in annihilating the White Lotus Sect outside the South City Gate was enough to guarantee that you will be awarded a higher level." Dongfang Bing kindly reminded, "It is impossible for the princess to do anything for you, but you can do it with the eldest prince." After all, I did it for him that time, so he should have expressed it no matter what."

"Don't worry, I'm not that fragile!" Zhou Yang smiled and hugged the girl and said, "All I need is an identity and a springboard for advancement. As long as it doesn't affect this, everything else can be discussed. It's just about working harder in the future, and What is it worth—forget it, I understand Dongfang’s meaning, what about Suyun, you didn’t come here today to let the young master serve you, right?”

"Humph, the young master also said that the slave was taken over by you as soon as he came here." Su Yun looked aggrieved, "Our grandma asked me to come over and say that the teacher she has found for Uncle Xiaolan has already been found, and it is estimated that he will be there next spring. First of all, your slave has already seen it, there is nothing wrong with it, I will report back tonight."

"Tomorrow night." Zhou Yang smiled and hugged her, "It's not easy to come here, no matter what, I have to feed you!"

"Young Master——" Su Yun said a long and sweet voice, then fell into Zhou Yang's arms and stopped talking.

"Grandma? Uncle Xiaolan?" The two of them were busy communicating, but they forgot about Dongfang Bing beside them. She glanced at the two of them with a strange expression, and then continued, "You are a vegetarian, no wonder you can get from Hanlin I bought this courtyard from the poor hands of the courtyard. If this grandma from Rongguo Mansion helps to pull the strings, it really won’t be a problem."

"Um" Zhou Yang and Su Yun looked at each other and looked at Dongfang Bing in confusion.

(End of this chapter)